The project was intended as a back-to-basics album by Bowie, with a
hard rock sound and simple production, as
opposed to his past two solo albums. Unlike previous Bowie bands
(such as The Spiders from
Mars), Tin Machine acted as a democratic unit.

At the time of release, Tin Machine met with some success,
winning generally positive reviews and reaching #3 in the UK album
charts. However, long-term sales were not as good.

The original release had a photo of the band members on the front
cover in different positions depending on the format of the album.
The order of the LP cover was, from left to right, Hunt Sales,
Gabrels, Bowie, and Tony Sales. The cassette order was Tony Sales,
Gabrels, Hunt Sales, and Bowie. The CD order was Bowie, Tony Sales,
Hunt Sales, and Gabrels. The remastered CD reverted back to the LP
cover.

Later reissues have been in line with the rest of Bowie's back
catalogue, and the spine and disc of the 1999 reissue gives the
artist as David Bowie, with Tin Machine as the album name.